Plants for an office can be small for a desk, tall or wide for corners of conference halls, or in hanging baskets in larger rooms. Houseplants make good office plants and some indoor favorites are typically seen in office buildings. With the drier air and the use of fluorescent lighting, office plants need special care and tending.
Crocus
Crocus, botanically named Crocus spp., is from the lily family. It is fragrant, a perennial, and easy to grow. Leaves are like grass and the spring blooming variety will have spring flowers while the fall blooming variety will have fall flowers. The flowers are fragrant with a 1 to 2 inch long tepal and 6 inch long tube. Grow a crocus in full sun or partial shade. They are hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 3 to 8. Propagate via corm division or by seed.
English Ivy
English ivy, botanically named Hedera helix, is from the ginseng family. It is an evergreen vine that is good in containers and in indoor environments. It has 3 to 5 lobed leaves in different shades of yellow or green. Unnoticeable flowers are followed by black poisonous berries. Grow English ivy in part sun to shade in rich moist soil. They are hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 5 to 9. Propagate via grafting, layering, or by cuttings.
Spider Plant
Spider plant, botanically named Chlorophytum comosum, is from the lily family. It is an easy growing and fast growing perennial. Grass like foliage is 8 to 16 inches long with white flowers on stalks. The end of the leaves have baby spider plants that you can use to propagate the plant. Grow spider plant in bright light and moist soil. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 8 to 11.
Garden Geranium
Garden geranium, botanically named Pelargonium x hortorum, is from the geranium family. It is fast growing, easy to grow, and a tender perennial. Leaves are succulent and 2 to 3 inches wide. Flower clusters are 4 to 5 inches wide in various colors. Grow in soil that is well drained and in sunny conditions or a bright light. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 9 and 10. Propagate via cuttings or by seed.
Cape Aloe
Cape Aloe, Aloe ferox, is from the lily family. It is an evergreen perennial. It is an evergreen perennial that is used in container gardening and makes a good houseplant. It will get 6 to 10 feet tall with succulent leaves that are dull green. Flowers are tubular and orangey red 2 to 4 feet taller than the leaves. Grow in soil that is well drained and in full sun. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 9 to 11. Propagate via stem cuttings or by seed.
Source:
Happy News: Plants and Flowers for Office Environments
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
